Answering some community questions

With the wisdom gained from 93 years of continuous weekly publication, the Yorba Linda Star sensibly asks writers to refrain from campaign-related remarks in the issue immediately preceding Election Day.

That judicious edict allows me to ignore the final-hour foibles of local office-seekers and answer some questions that have popped up in the community during the past few weeks.

Q. How much has Friends Christian High School paid the city for the lease on the 32-acre Bastanchury Road property?

A. Sponsors of the campus planned for 1,200 students have paid $2.1 million from July 1, 2007, through June 30, 2010. Starting this fiscal year, payments will be increased annually based on an average of the Consumer Price Index for the prior five-year period.

Q. When will the Friends high school open?

A. "Official opening date is fall 2013, but there's a growing possibility that could move up to fall 2012," John Christensen, chairman of the school's marketing committee, says.

Q. Does Yorba Linda have an unfunded pension liability?

A. Nearly $4 million estimated at June 30, according to figures presented to council in June. The city pays both employer and employee portions of CalPERS pension fees for workers and council members, 19.6 percent of salary this year and 21 percent next year.

Q. How many rounds of golf are played at the city-owned Black Gold course?

A. A total of 50,211 for 2009-10 fiscal year, below the projected 50,367 but above the 49,359 for 2008-09. Total revenue was $5,314,506, a 3.6 percent drop from last year's $5,512,494. Recalculated waived interest on city loans to Black Gold was $327,592 on June 30, with loans totaling $4,786,268.

Q. Will a new library be part of Town Center redevelopment?

A. No definite plan at present, but council is expected to get serious about Town Center next year. Council voted 5-0 Jan. 19 "to explore various mechanisms to construct a new library in the Town Center."

Q. Is it legal for a council member to talk to another off-microphone during a meeting?

A. Not if "one council member is communicating with another regarding an agenda item up for vote during a public meeting," says a May 18 report presented to council members.

Q. What does the city earn from leasing the vacant lot at Yorba Linda Boulevard and Imperial Highway for pumpkin and Christmas tree sales?

A. The Oct. 1 to Dec. 31 rent is $15,000, which the city sets aside to partially fund July 4 fireworks. Election signs are allowed on the slope, but must be removed before Nov. 8.

Q. How much does Yorba Linda pay Brea for police service?

A. A $10.74 million base payment is projected for 2010-11, up 72 percent from 10 years ago. During those years, population increased 16.2 percent and service calls 59.6 percent.

Q. What's the cost to trim city-owned trees?

A. $46.75 per tree in parks, $37.35 for parkway trees.

Jim Drummond is a longtime Yorba Linda resident. He gives his opinion on local issues weekly. Fax him at 714-704-3714 or send e-mail to jimdrummond@hotmail.com.

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